Seoul: Samsung Display said on Tuesday its latest foldable organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel has successfully passed a 500,000-fold durability test, demonstrating the company’s advances in flexible display technology. The panel, used in Samsung Electronics Co.’s newly launched Galaxy Z Fold 7 smartphone, remained fully functional after undergoing 500,000 folds over a 13-day period in a temperature of 25 C, according to testing results verified by global certification agency Bureau Veritas, reports Yonhap news agency. The result is more than double Samsung Display’s previous internal durability standard of 200,000 fold and reflects the company’s confidence in the long-term resilience of its foldable OLED technology, the company said. Samsung Display explained the 500,000-fold benchmark equates to over 10 years of use for average consumers and more than six years for heavy users folding over 200 times daily. The company attributed the enhanced durability to a newly developed shock-resistant structure inspired by bulletproof glass. Samsung increased the thickness of its Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) cover by 50 percent and adopted a new high-elastic adhesive, improving impact recovery performance fourfold compared with previous materials. “This new panel not only builds consumer confidence in foldable OLED durability but also underscores the technological advantage that makes Samsung Display distinguished in the industry,” said Lee Ho-jung, head of the mobile display product planning team at Samsung Display. Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics said that preorder sales of its new Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 smartphones have set a fresh record for its foldable Z series models in South Korea. The pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 series, introduced on July 9, amounted to 1.04 million units as of Monday, outnumbering the 1.02 million set by the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5, according to the company. The previous Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 series recorded 910,000 units in pre-orders. The company said sales of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which opens and closes like a book, accounted for 60 percent of total presales, while the clamshell-style Flip 7 made up 40 percent. It is the first time that the Fold model has outsold the Flip model since Samsung Electronics launched its foldable lineup in 2019.

New Delhi: Tech giant Microsoft has issued urgent security patch after observing “active attacks” on server software used by government agencies and businesses to share documents within organisations. According to Microsoft, the vulnerabilities apply only to SharePoint servers used within organisations. SharePoint Online in Microsoft 365, which is in the cloud, was not hit by the attacks, the organisation informed. “Microsoft is aware of active attacks targeting on-premises SharePoint Server customers by exploiting vulnerabilities partially addressed by the July Security Update,” said the tech giant in ints security advisory. The company recommended security updates that customers should apply immediately. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also said it is aware of the attacks and is working closely with its federal and private-sector partners. The vulnerability is related to a case of remote code execution that arises due to the deserialization of untrusted data in on-premise versions of Microsoft SharePoint Server. Microsoft said the current published content is correct and that the previous inconsistency does not impact the company’s guidance for customers. “After applying the latest security updates above or enabling AMSI, it is critical that customers rotate SharePoint server ASP.NET machine keys and restart IIS on all SharePoint servers,” Microsoft said. “If you cannot enable AMSI, you will need to rotate your keys after you install the new security update,” its added. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added ‘CVE-2025-53770’ vulnerability to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, requiring Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies to apply the fixes by July 21, 2025. “Microsoft has released security updates that fully protect customers using SharePoint Subscription Edition and SharePoint 2019 against the risks posed by CVE-2025-53770, and CVE-2025-53771. Customers should apply these updates immediately to ensure they’re protected,” said the company in its security update. 

WhatsApp Monetization Advertising Features In India: Meta is taking a crucial step toward monetizing WhatsApp by testing new advertising features. In the latest Android beta update (version 2.25.21.11), The features include Status Ads and Promoted Channels on WhatsApp. It is now available to select beta users, as reported by WABetaInfo. WhatsApp Status Ads Function Status Ads function much like Instagram Stories ads, allowing business accounts to share sponsored content directly in users’ Status feeds. These ads appear between updates from friends and family and are clearly marked as “sponsored” to differentiate them from personal content. To enhance user control, WhatsApp is also offering the option to block ads from specific advertisers — once blocked, those ads won’t appear again. WhatsApp Promoted Channels The second feature, Promoted Channels, aims to increase the discoverability of public channels by boosting their visibility within WhatsApp’s channel directory. Just like Status Ads, these promoted channels will be marked as “sponsored”. When a business or creator pays to promote their channel, it will appear higher in search results, making it easier for users to find and follow them. These changes could be very useful for brands, creators, and organisations who want to grow their audience quickly. WhatsApp Entry In World Of Advertising It also signals WhatsApp’s serious entry into the world of advertising and creator monetisation — something already common on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Meta has assured that these ads won’t affect users’ privacy. The company says all promotional content will only be shown in public areas like Status and Channels, not in private chats. So, your personal messages will remain ad-free. WhatsApp Detailed Ad Activity Reports Earlier, in a previous beta update (2.25.19.15), WhatsApp also started testing a feature that lets users download detailed ad activity reports. These reports show which ads were displayed, who the advertisers were, and when the ads were seen. This adds more transparency compared to traditional ad platforms. (With IANS Inputs)

Apple iPhone 17 Pro And iPhone 17 Pro Max India Launch: The India launch of the Apple iPhone 17 series is just a few months away, and rumours are already swirling across the country. Apple is reportedly planning several changes to its flagship iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models this year, along with the new iPhone 17 Air — and one major shift could be the removal of titanium from the premium lineup. Notably, the iPhone 17 Air is rumoured to be Apple’s thinnest iPhone yet, measuring just 5.5mm — slimmer than even the upcoming Galaxy S25 Edge. Over time, multiple leaks have surfaced, hinting at changes in design, new colour options, and hardware upgrades. These early revelations offer a sneak peek at what the Cupertino-based tech giant might unveil during its anticipated September launch event this year. Apple never fails to surprise with fresh colour choices in its iPhone lineup each year, and the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models appear to follow suit. According to media reports, the new Pro variants are likely to arrive in bold new shades of dark blue and copper. Meanwhile, there could be a display upgrade for the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air models. On the other hand, all iPhone 17 models are tipped to receive a new Dynamic Island user interface. This update will likely be part of iOS 26 and could remain exclusive to the iPhone 17 series. iPhone 17 Series India Launch Date (Expected) The premium phones are expected to launch between September 8 to September 11 of 2025. Apple may also reveal the official launch date. Apple is expected to announce the official launch date of the iPhone 17 series in the coming weeks. All iPhone 17 models are expected to be powered by the A19 series chips reportedly, bringing upgraded performance. iPhone 17 Pro Price In India (Expected) The iPhone 17 Air could launch at around Rs 1,20,000—especially if Apple raises the starting price of the iPhone 17 Pro to Rs 1,34,999 this year.

Elon Musk’s Child-Friendly AI App: Tech billionaire Elon Musk has revealed that his AI venture, xAI, is working on a child-friendly version of its chatbot Grok. The new app, tentatively named ‘Baby Grok’, aims to build on Grok’s capabilities while tailoring its features for younger users. The announcement follows criticism of Grok’s previous versions, particularly for featuring sexualized AI avatars that experts warned could negatively influence children. According to media reports, xAI stated that the program will bring its advanced AI capabilities to federal, local, state, and national security customers, signalling the firm’s growing interest in public sector partnerships. In response, the upcoming chatbot is expected to feature stricter content controls and safety measures. However, Musk has not yet shared detailed insights into how Baby Grok will differ from xAI’s standard offering. Earlier this month, xAI launched Grok 4, just months after its prior release, signaling the rapid pace of AI advancement. The update came in the wake of controversy over antisemitic remarks generated by the chatbot on X (formerly Twitter), which drew sharp public backlash. Google’s Gemini Chatbot For Kids  Meanwhile, Google has announced it is developing a children-focused version of its Gemini chatbot. Designed to assist with homework, answer questions, and foster creativity, the app will come with parental controls through the Family Link platform. Google has confirmed that the kids’ version of Gemini will not include ads or collect data, focusing purely on educational and creative use.

Instagram New Feature: Instagram, the Meta-owned platform, is testing a new feature that enables reels to play automatically one after another—no swiping needed. This feature is known as the Auto-Scroll feature. It ensures that once a reel ends, the next one starts playing instantly. If you wish to rewatch a reel, you can scroll back up, but it will continue auto-playing the next reel afterward. By default, this feature is turned off. To enable it, tap the three-dot menu below the share icon and toggle on Auto-Scroll. Moreover, Instagram has already introduced a new feature called Blend, designed to offer a more personalized and shared Reels experience. According to the company, Blend creates a unique feed of Instagram Reels, curated based on content recommendations tailored to both users involved. Instagram’s turning into TikTok one scroll at a time  Auto-scroll is here for some users, posts now swipe themselves. Got it yet or still waiting? pic.twitter.com/f2xzao5qJ6 — Shohag Hossain  (@Iammdshohag) July 18, 2025 The feature is located within the chat section of the app. To start a Blend, one person must send an invite, which the other must accept—meaning it requires mutual consent from both accounts before the shared feed is created. How To Activate Blend Feature On Android and iOS Step 1: Open Instagram and navigate to a chat — this can be either a one-on-one conversation or a group chat. Step 2: In the chat window, tap the Blend icon located in the top right corner. Step 3: A preview screen will appear, showing what the Blend feature includes. Tap Invite to send the invitation. Step 4: The other person (or group members) must accept the invite. Once accepted, the Blend will be created and a shared Reels feed will be generated based on both users’ interests.

Samsung Galaxy F36 5G India Launch: Samsung, a South Korean company, has launched the Samsung Galaxy F36 5G smartphone in India. The newly launched device comes with several AI features, including Google’s Circle to Search, Gemini Live, Object Eraser, Image Clipper, AI Edit Suggestions, and more. The Samsung Galaxy F36 5G will be available in two variants: 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB. The handset is powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset. The company’s latest F-series phone runs Android 15-based One UI 7 out of the box. It is offered in three colour options — Coral Red, Luxe Violet, and Onyx Black — all featuring a premium leather-textured back panel for a comfortable and stylish grip. Samsung Galaxy F36 5G Specifications The dual-SIM handset features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with full-HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection. To maintain optimal performance, it is equipped with a vapour chamber for efficient thermal management. On the photography front, the phone houses a triple rear camera setup, comprising a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilisation (OIS) and 4K video recording capabilities, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro sensor. For selfies and video calls, there is a 13-megapixel front-facing camera. The handset is powered by a 5,000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging. In terms of connectivity, it includes dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and GPS + GLONASS support. The handset measures 164.4×77.9×7.7mm and weighs 197 grams. Samsung Galaxy F36 5G Price In India And Availability The smartphone is priced at Rs 17,499 for the base variant with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. Samsung is also offering an 8GB RAM + 256GB storage model, priced at Rs 18,999. The new F-series device will go on sale in India starting July 29 at 12 PM IST via Flipkart and Samsung’s official online store.

Airtel Perplexity Pro Subscription: Airtel, one of India’s most popular network operators, is offering a free one-year subscription to Perplexity Pro for all its 360 million customers. Unlike traditional AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Gemini, Perplexity functions as an AI-powered search engine that provides real-time answers by sourcing information directly from the internet. Notably, the Perplexity Pro is priced globally at Rs 17,000 for a year. This complimentary Perplexity Pro subscription is available to all Airtel customers across Mobile, Wi-Fi, and DTH services. Users can claim the offer through the Airtel Thanks app. According to the company, Perplexity delivers accurate and concise responses by leveraging advanced language models like GPT-4.1 and Claude 4.0 Sonnet. How To Claim Perplexity Pro Subscription? Step 1: Open the Airtel Thanks app on your smartphone. Step 2: Go to the ‘Rewards’ section and tap on the banner that says “Get 12 months of Perplexity Pro worth Rs 17,000 FREE”. Step 3: Tap on the ‘Claim Now’ button on the next screen to proceed. Step 4: Sign up or sign in on Perplexity’s website, and your free Pro subscription will be activated. Moreover, the Indian telecom companies usually offer free access to streaming apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime. But for the first time, a network provider is giving a free one-year premium subscription to an AI chatbot. 

Google’s New Service For Pixel Users: Google India officially introduced same-day smartphone repairs for Pixel users in India ahead of the Pixel 10 launch. The repair services will be accessible in top metro cities including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad, along with other key tier-1 and tier-2 cities. This new support service aims to fix 80 per cent of Pixel devices on the same day, which is a major step up in customer service. Customers who submit their Pixel smartphones at designated walk-in centres before 2 PM can generally expect same-day repairs. Google has now taken over its logistics, shipping, and after-sales services, reducing its dependence on third-party sellers. While the company has traditionally relied on external partners for service in India, it also operates Google-exclusive service centres in select cities. Meanwhile, Google has also enhanced its online support tools to make the repair process more transparent and user-friendly. Pixel users can now track repair status, access step-by-step troubleshooting guides, book service requests online, and locate authorised service centres with ease. These upgrades are designed to streamline the user experience and minimise delays in resolving device issues. It is important to note that the expansion of after-sales service is part of Google’s wider strategy to strengthen its Pixel ecosystem in the Indian market. Earlier this year, Google made several strategic moves to strengthen its presence in India. It launched its official online store, offering a direct purchase channel for consumers, and introduced 24/7 customer support to enhance user experience. To assist users further, Google rolled out the Pixel Simulator and YouTube guides, along with attractive EMI and cashback offers. The company also began assembling Pixel devices locally, marking a significant step toward boosting domestic manufacturing. Adding further, the reports suggest that Google has started scouting locations for its first-ever physical retail stores in the country, indicating a deeper push into the Indian market. Google’s Same-Day Repair Service For Pixel Users: Full List Of Cities Google’s same-day Pixel repair support is now available across 21 cities in India, significantly expanding its after-sales service network. The service covers major metropolitan and tier-2 cities, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Pune, Raipur, Surat, and Thiruvananthapuram. This expansion aims to provide faster and more convenient support for Pixel users across the country.